The True Meaning of Christmas...

As I wrap up this week, I sit and think about how very excited I am that Christmas is just a few days away!  However, I also have a VERY heavy heart.  

There have been numerous pieces of bad news this week. It seems as though Cancer is everywhere.  I know, I know, you are thinking well yeah, Anna. You are an oncology nurse.  Of course Cancer is everywhere.  But this week is different. I feel like I hear about someone else I know or know of  getting diagnosed with cancer.  My heart just breaks for these people, for these families, but I know there is hope.  I know that this hope can only come from above.  That our precious Lord Jesus Christ fills us with His hope, His faithfulness, and His love! 

So, during this Christmas season, I hope everyone knows that no matter these trials the Lord has faced us with, He is in ultimate control! He is the only healing power. He is almighty! Let these situations be a constant reminder of his Hope and how this Hope began when He was born that Christmas day! Focus on the reason for the season.  Focus on the blessings he has bestowed upon us.  Focus on our family and our friends. Continue to lift one another up in prayer. Continue to Glorify God for the best Christmas present we could have ever asked for....His son!

It's the MOST Wonderful Time of the Year!

Christmas music is OFFICIALLY on XM Radio as well as 103.7 fm. My week is complete. Happy Holidays, Everyone!

A girl can dream....

So, these past few days I have been trying to reconcile a few student loans with good old Wells Fargo.  Long story short, I tried setting something up online and needless to say, I screwed it up.  So I get on the phone with Customer Service and speak with my new friend (boyfriend), Dan. The very charming, British accent speaking, "HOT" (in my mind), DAN.  I want to meet this "Dan"....he seems so Dreamy! What is it about guys and British accents??? Gets me every time! 

Loving Life!

A little update on life:

1) I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE working days!  I like to tell everyone I feel like I am "normal" again.  For some odd reason people always laugh at that statement...not so sure why??!! haha!

2) We are less than one month away from the Amazon trip! We are having our weekly meetings to pray it up and prepare ourselves as individuals as well as a team.  I am so eager to get there and see and experience God's work!

3) The girls and I went to the O.A.R. concert on Wednesday and they put on a great show!! We were a little disappointed they didn't play "Hey Girl!", but we got over it! Yet another successful night at The Foundation Room! 

4) A Few weeks ago, the girls and I (and Mom!) decided to enjoy a cold, rainy Sunday at The State Fair!  We ate our way through sampling the Fried Grilled Cheese, Flecher's Corny Dogs, Fried Peaches-n-Cream, Fried BUTTER!, Fried Cookie Dough, Pineapple Whips, Fried Peanut Butter and Jelly and Banana sandwiches, and topping it off with some Salt Water Taffy to go!  If that doesn't make your mouth water, I don't know what does! It was AMAZING and TOTALLY worth the belly ache!

The Sweatshirts weren't planned. Kendall and Audrey just HAD to dress like me!

FRIED GRILLED CHEESE! My favorite!

Bittersweet...

I am wrapping up my last night shift here at work, and I must say it is a little bittersweet. I am interested to see how God works in my life as I start my new adventure on day shift, but I have full trust in Him that everything will be okay!

Things I will miss on Night shift:

1) The people I work with...love these girls!!
2) The slower pace.
3) Never having to wake up early.
4) The extra pay!


Things I am looking forward to on days:

1) Getting my sleep back!!
2) The new people I will be working with!
3) Having a "normal" schedule.
4) The fast pace....the days will FLY by!
5) Going to work and coming home when everyone else does!
6) Not missing out on so much.
7) Seeing the Sunshine waaay more than I used to!
8) New Challenges. (Challenge Extended!)

26 Candles

A little recap of Audrey's 80's Roller Skating Party!! (p.s. There aren't any pics of the roller skating part....I'm sure Miss Sarah Begin would be happy to help with this...I was too busy boogyin' on the Rink!!!)

A Little Pre-party at Urban Crust!

FFL!!! (Friends for Liiife!)

Roomies!!! Me with the Birthday girl!

Future Amazoners!

VOGUE!

"COOL GUYS"

Strike a Pose!

Mr. Miami Vice!

The Guys just HAD to get a pic with the Parents!

SUCH A FUN NIGHT!!!

How Did I Miss This??!

I don't know how I let this one slip past my fingers, but I have been blogging for over a year now!! Wow, time sure does fly when your having fun, yes?

A few updates with Annie:

God is so good and has brought in more than I could've ever imagined as far as my expenses go for the Amazon Mission trip! I still have a little more to go, but I am not at all worried. Seeing The Lord's faithfulness thus far has humbled me to no end! I can't wait to see what He has in store for this trip.

Only a few more weeks of night shift left. My very last night shift will be September 24th. A little surreal, but exciting at the same time! I am counting down the days!

Jason Mraz was AWESOME! Me and the girls met up with some chruch peeps this week and jammed/danced to his amazing music at Nokia Theatre!

Audrey's 80's Roller Skating Bash is this weekend....should be VERRRRY interesting!!! Party pics coming soon!!

I am super pumped about all the fun TV shows starting these next few weeks! Be sure to tune into Cougar Town on September 23rd. Look for me and Kendall! No guarantees on a sure showing, but theres always the possibility you may see my elbow! haha. Here is a list of the shows I will be keeping up with this fall:

1) Cougar Town...duh!

2) So You Think You Can Dance (SYTYCD for future reference)

3) THE OFFICE!! (SO EXCITED about this one!)

4) Grey's

5) Dancing With The Stars (always a favorite)

6) Big Bang Theory

7) How I Met Your Mother

Those are just to name a few! Happy Fall Watching!

Stay tuned!